The asymmetric simple exclusion process (ASEP) is a model of particles hopping on a one-dimensional lattice. It was initially introduced by Macdonald-Gibbs-Pipkin to provide a model for translation in protein synthesis. On the other hand, Macdonald polynomials are a remarkable family of multivariate polynomials which generalize Schur polynomials and Hall-Littlewood polynomials. I'll explain how the study of the ASEP on a ring leads to new formulas for Macdonald polynomials, as well as to a new quasisymmetric Macdonald polynomial. Based on joint work with Corteel-Mandelshtam, as well as with Corteel-Haglund-Mandelshtam-Mason. Speaker(s): Lauren Williams (Harvard U.)